Motorcyclist Killed in Three-Vehicle Crash on Highway 30 in Columbia County

Columbia County, OR. — A Washington man was killed Thursday evening in a three-vehicle crash on Highway 30 near milepost 64, according to the Oregon State Police.

Troopers responded to the crash at approximately 5:39 p.m. on February 26, 2026.

A preliminary investigation found that an eastbound Indian Chieftain motorcycle, operated by 32-year-old Nick Anthony Verne of Kalama, Washington, was navigating a sweeping right-hand turn when it crossed the centerline into the westbound lane.

The motorcycle sideswiped a westbound Toyota 4Runner driven by 32-year-old Elliette Michelle Vasquez of Astoria. It then struck a westbound Toyota RAV4 head-on. The RAV4 was driven by 73-year-old Kenneth Edward Uphoff of Ocean Park, Washington.

Verne was declared deceased at the scene.

Vasquez and her passenger, 60-year-old Michael Evaristo Vasquez of Astoria, suffered reported minor injuries and were transported to an area medical center for treatment.

Uphoff was reportedly uninjured.

Highway 30 was impacted for approximately four hours as crews conducted the on-scene investigation.

Oregon State Police were assisted by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Rainier Police Department, Columbia River Fire and Rescue, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.